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Cross country and gymnastics teams recognized for academics

contact: Kristin Keirns May 24, 2017 | WMU News

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Based on their most recent multiyear Academic Progress Rates, Western Michigan University's cross country and gymnastics teams have earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards for posting scores in the top-10 percent of their sport.

The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams nationally. The scores required to be in the top 10 ranged from 984 to a perfect 1,000, depending on the sport.

This year, 1,203 teams are being recognized for academic performance: 746 women's teams and 457 men's teams or co-ed teams. The total number of teams being recognized increased by 132 from a year ago, largely as a result of an increase in perfect scores, with 1,090 teams earning a perfect score.

The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years. The APR provided a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. In total, 26 different teams across 10 sports from the 12 Mid-American Conference institutions were recognized.

"NCAA student-athletes and schools continue to achieve unprecedented levels of academic success," said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. "We commend these programs for their commitment to academic excellence and dedication to preparing student-athletes for life after college."